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The Secret: Highlands' Lairds, Book 1 | [Julie Garwood]
Play The Secret: Highlands' Lairds, Book 1

The Secret: Highlands' Lairds, Book 1

  • UNABRIDGED
  • by Julie Garwood
  • Narrated by Susan Duerden
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  • Regular Price :$20.99

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What's Trending in Romance:

  • Average Customer Rating
  • Overall
    (367)
    Performance
    (343)
    Story
    (341)
 
  • LENGTH
    12 hrs and 46 mins
  • RELEASE DATE
    01-14-13
  • AUDIO FORMATS
    About Audio Formats
    2 3 4 Enhanced Audio
 

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Publisher's Summary

New York Times best-selling author Julie Garwood captures the Highland splendor of medieval Scotland in this breathtaking love story. The inspiration for her acclaimed bestseller Ransom, this classic tale is a passionate masterpiece from one of the best-loved storytellers of all time.

Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land...Iain Maitland, laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain's searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan...not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

©2013 Julie Garwood (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

What Members Say

Average Customer Rating

4.4 (367 ratings)
5 star
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3 star
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2 star
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1 star
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Overall
4.5 (341 ratings)
5 star
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 (5)
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Story
4.1 (343 ratings)
5 star
 (188)
4 star
 (78)
3 star
 (34)
2 star
 (22)
1 star
 (21)
Performance
  •  
    CAROLYN newark, New Jersey, United States 01-18-13
    CAROLYN newark, New Jersey, United States 01-18-13 Member Since 2010

    bookworm

    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "MEDIEVAL HIGHLAND ROMANCE AT IT'S BEST"

    Oh boy, I'm so easily pleased - just give me a hunky handsome Highland Warrior in a kilt (a must), add some interesting amusing and likeable characters (also necessary) who are all involved in a charming passionate and funny story (preferable), throw in lots of romance and a little sex (an added bonus) then have it written by the gifted and talented Ms Garwood (wow) finally have it brought to life by the many voices of Susan Duerden and then folks...... I'm one happy lass.

    Audible - I'm afraid you will be getting an email from me soon begging you (on bended knees if necessary) to carry on with this series and add books 2 Ransom and 3 Shadow Music to your Library very very soon so I can add them to mine.

    Worth a credit? Well folks if you're like me and enjoy being mentally transported back in time then that would be a definitely, positively and absolutely YES.

    28 of 30 people found this review helpful
  •  
    MickeyMarie Narnia 04-13-13
    MickeyMarie Narnia 04-13-13 Member Since 2003

    I read so I can write

    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Absolutely A Refreshing Change!"

    It is so refreshing to find a historical romance that is not just a bunch of sex scenes strung together around a weak story. It is also rare to find one.

    The Secret fits that rare mold.

    This story honestly looks at real life on 13th century Scotland, in a funny interesting story that entertains to the last page.

    Ian and Judith and all the rest make just the right kind of clan.

    7 of 7 people found this review helpful
  •  
    neurons SHELTON, CT, United States 01-20-13
    neurons SHELTON, CT, United States 01-20-13 Member Since 2004
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "I really liked this book"

    I really enjoyed this book. Well developed characters, funny & endearing. At a time where women were owned & treated as property the writer sprinkles the 13th century men with a bit of modernity. It was one of those books you can't stop listening to and you hate when it ends.

    11 of 13 people found this review helpful
  •  
    McCormack Fernley, NV 05-01-13
    McCormack Fernley, NV 05-01-13
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Knew I loved this book from the 1st listen"
    Would you listen to The Secret again? Why?

    Yes, Good story line, interesting characters who actually make you laugh with what they say. The narrator is wonderful at creating the characters as well.


    What did you like best about this story?

    The love story was great, but also the sidelines where equally enjoyable.


    What about Susan Duerden’s performance did you like?

    She changed her voice for each of the main characters. She did a fabulous job!


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    yes, but I couldn't. It was hard to resist just calling in "sick" and burying myself in The Secret.


    Any additional comments?

    This is a series and I am sooooo hopeful that Audible will soon have the rest available.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  •  
    VIRGINIA OMAHA, NE, United States 01-20-13
    VIRGINIA OMAHA, NE, United States 01-20-13 Member Since 2012
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "horrible narration"
    What would have made The Secret better?

    A different narrator.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret?

    Love the book and was looking forward to the audio but the narration was so horrible.


    What didn’t you like about Susan Duerden’s performance?

    She does horrible men's voices. She makes the main character sound like a child. She whispers too much as well.


    What character would you cut from The Secret?

    Love all of the characters!


    Any additional comments?

    Please tell me that the rest of the books in this series will have a different narrator!!!!!

    11 of 16 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Doretha fort mill, SC, United States 01-28-13
    Doretha fort mill, SC, United States 01-28-13 Member Since 2011
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Narrator Scott's accent was awful!!!!!!!!"
    Would you try another book from Julie Garwood and/or Susan Duerden?

    I like Julie so yes. Susan no!!!!!!


    Has The Secret turned you off from other books in this genre?

    No


    What didn’t you like about Susan Duerden’s performance?

    I've listened to a number of other books she's narrated and they all sound the same . I will never buy another book she narrates.


    You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

    The story was very interesting.


    8 of 12 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Carolyn Baker Beatrice, NE United States 01-24-13
    Carolyn Baker Beatrice, NE United States 01-24-13 Member Since 2010
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    "book spoiled by narrator"
    Would you be willing to try another one of Susan Duerden’s performances?

    No


    What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

    Disappointment. This is my favorite Garwood book. I was really happy to see it available in audio, but Duerden's gravelly voiced, whispery narration totally spoiled it.


    Any additional comments?

    I wish I could write to someone in charge of selecting narrators and tell them to stop using Susan Duerden. Her narration of men's voices gets worse with each recording and really spoils a good audio book.

    8 of 12 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Tina Bristol, TN, United States 01-15-13
    Tina Bristol, TN, United States 01-15-13 Member Since 2011
    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Why does the narrator whisper?"
    Is there anything you would change about this book?

    The narrator! She talks so softly that you feel like she is whispering so no one will hear her. And the voices. Judith sounds like a little girl not a full grown women. It is disturbing to say the least.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret?

    Being that The Secret has always been one of my favorite books it is hard to pick one memorable moments.


    Would you be willing to try another one of Susan Duerden’s performances?

    I would really rather not.


    Was The Secret worth the listening time?

    Yes, try to get past the narrator because the story is well worth the listen.


    8 of 13 people found this review helpful
  •  
    LESLIE MIAMI, FLORIDA, United States 01-20-13
    LESLIE MIAMI, FLORIDA, United States 01-20-13
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    "So fustrating!It"
    Any additional comments?

    It really makes me mad when they ruin a good book with such an annoying narrator I wish there was some one we can write and ask to never again let this narrator narrate. The story was sweet and funny totally ruined by the narrator.

    9 of 15 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Heather Canada 01-23-13
    Heather Canada 01-23-13 Member Since 2011

    Never judge a book by its movie

    HELPFUL VOTES
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    "Don't keep this book a Secret"
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    Oh Yea, I love this Highland Laird Series. It's quirky. The characters are fun, quirky and charming.
    The dialogue between Ian and Judith is fantastic.
    The secondary characters, could have their own stories. In fact they do. Broderick and Ramsey re appear in Ransom. I hope will also be out in audiobook.

    Judith is an English women travelling to Scotland to attend the birth of her best friends baby.
    Francis Catherine and Judith met when they were 4 and stayed friends even though they were supposed to be enemies.

    Iain Maitland is an extremely large Highland Laird and brother- in- law of Francis Catherine. He escorts Judith from England and is immediately attracted to him. Every one is afraid of Iain accept for little Judith.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret?

    Iain and Judith's wedding. By the time the scene is over Judith isn't quite sure who she married. It is a fantastic and cleverly written laugh- out- loud scene.


    Which character – as performed by Susan Duerden – was your favorite?

    Loved both Judith and Iain. Also loved the old men on the counsel.


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    The Secret is Out!
    If this was made into a movie I picture Emily Blunt as Judith and Richard Armitage as Ian.


    Any additional comments?

    Well worth the credit, you will listen to it over and over again.

    3 of 5 people found this review helpful
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